Resilient Flooring

Grooving Seams: Hand Groover vs Power Groover

How deep and wide to groove vinyl and linoleum seams for heat welding, and when to use a power groover versus a hand groover.

Updated · 2 min read

The groove is what the weld rod fills, so its depth and width decide whether the weld holds. Power groovers do the long runs straight and consistent; hand groovers finish the ends and the spots a machine can't reach.

Groove depth and width by floor

The flooring maker sets the groove. These are examples from published instructions.

Floor Groove Source
Forbo vinyl About 2/3 into the depth, 3.5 mm wide, U-shaped Forbo[1]
AHF/Armstrong heterogeneous sheet 1/2 to 2/3 the thickness, with a 3.5 mm blade AHF[4]
Forbo linoleum, 2.0 to 2.5 mm 3.5 mm wide U-shape, down to the jute but not through it Forbo[2]
Forbo linoleum, thicker 2.5 mm deep Forbo[2]
Tarkett linoleum Deep enough to expose the jute backing without severing it Tarkett[3]

The groove width should match your rod and speed nozzle. See Heat weld nozzles and rod.

Power groover vs hand groover

Most installers use both on every job.

Power groover Hand groover
Best for Long straight seams Seam ends, doorways, walls, short runs, coves
Consistency Holds depth and line over long runs Depends on the installer
Speed Fast Slow
Setup Set depth and fit the right blade size Pick the right blade profile

The usual process is to run the power groover down the seam, then finish the ends with a hand groover.[1]

Step by step

Get the timing and blade setup right before the groover touches the floor.

  1. Wait for the adhesive to set, about 24 hours before grooving and welding.[1]
  2. Fit the blade width that matches your rod (3.5 mm is common) and set depth on a scrap.
  3. Check the scrap: the groove should be centered, the right depth, and not into the backing.
  4. Run the power groover with its guide centered on the seam, keeping steady forward pressure.
  5. Stop short of walls and finish the ends with a hand groover.
  6. Vacuum the groove clean before welding.

Common mistakes

Most grooving mistakes can't be fixed once they're cut.

  • Cutting into the backing. On heterogeneous sheet it exposes the backing; on linoleum it severs the jute.
  • Grooving off-center. One side of the seam ends up unwelded. Keep the guide on the seam line the whole run.
  • Dull blades. They tear the groove edges. Swap them before they chatter.
  • Grooving before the adhesive sets. The seam edges shift.

Groovers we carry

These are the power and hand groovers and blades we stock.

References

  1. Forbo: Heat welding vinyl products
  2. Forbo: Heat welding Marmoleum and linoleum
  3. Tarkett: Linoleum heat welding guide
  4. AHF/Armstrong: Commercial sheet installation instructions

Linked PDF documents are archived copies saved by PreFloor Tools so they stay available if the publisher moves or removes them. Check the publisher's website for the latest revision.

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